Obesity is most commonly associated with teenagers and adults.
But a new study from the Hospital for Sick Children suggests that obesity and inactivity among infants could be a sign of health problems to come.
While many toddlers may seem like they’re always on the move, researchers at the hospital found that 75 per cent of children younger than 18 months old aren’t getting the 180 minutes of daily activity prescribed for children under four.
Children who took part in the study were fitted with an accelerometer that measured their movements for a full week.
But the authors of the study say that, while the findings show a link between infant obesity and future health concerns, the methodology may have to be revisited.
“This study was really a first step to (find out if we can) even measure physical activity in children at this young age,” said epidemiologist Cory Borkhoff.
Borkhoff is recommending developing a new way of measuring physical activity for children who are not yet walking.
The findings, however, should not be dismissed, she said. The data may be an early warning flag for the sedentary behaviour commonly found in older children starts developing earlier than we may realize.
Children who are more physically active have a better body composition -- decreased overweight and obesity, better bone health, better cardio-metabolic health and better cognitive and motor skill development,” Borkhoff said.
With a report from Pauline Chan
